The Shocking Betrayal We Never Saw Coming In Hocus Pocus 2

Warning: This article contains spoilers for "Hocus Pocus 2"

"Hocus Pocus 2" starts out strong by closely examining the Sanderson sisters' origin story. After the younger versions of Winifred (Taylor Henderson), Mary (Nina Kitchen), and Sarah (Juju Journey Brener) are run out of town for being characteristically rambunctious; the sisters hide away in the woods. Their presence draws the attention of an otherworldly figure, played by Hannah Waddingham, who reveals herself as a witch. Sensing Winnie's power, the witch gives the Sanderson sisters the leathery, one-eyed tome that they use throughout the original 1993 film. Book, as Winnie likes to call him, is a key plot element in the first movie, so it's interesting to see how this sentient spell book fits into the overall narrative. 

As an essential part of the adult Winnie's (Bette Midler) arsenal, Book helps the Sanderson sisters ensure their eventual return and gives them the right tools to turn Thackery Binx (Sean Murray) into a cat. Book is incredibly loyal to Winnie and comes whenever she calls. In the first movie, Winnie treats the Book almost like a pet, crooning to it in a way that exemplifies their bond. After all, a witch can't cast an incantation if she doesn't know the words or have the right ingredients. It seems like Book and Winnie's connection is unbreakable, but the shocking ending of "Hocus Pocus 2" proves that you just can't trust a spellbook these days.

In a twist no one saw coming, Book decides to align himself with Becca (Whitney Peak) and her friends. Considering that the sentient book's loyalty to Winnie has been his defining trait, his sudden change of heart is surprising. However, he isn't trying to be spiteful or malicious towards his previous handler. It's the opposite. After serving the Sanderson sisters faithfully for years, the Book knows Winnie better than she knows herself. Once she decides to invoke the dangerous Magica Maxima spell, Book initially tries to stop her from doing so, but Winnie's determination ultimately prevails. 

When Book shows Becca the warning attached to Magica Maxima, the young witch realizes that by casting the enchantment, Winnie will be forced to sacrifice what she loves most: her beloved sisters. The moment sets up the movie's end but also explains Book's hesitation to cast Magica Maxima. After all this time with the Sanderson sisters, the spell book knows that what they really need to be happy is each other. A witch is nothing without her coven, a lesson that Winnie quickly learns when she enacts the spell only to watch Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Mary (Kathy Najimy) slowly fade away. As a last act of allegiance to the Sanderson sisters, Book gives Becca a charm that will let Winnie join her sisters. It's a touching exchange that wraps up the story while leaving room for a potential follow-up.